Knowledge is Power

Sunday, November 10, 2013

I've noticed some interesting ideas floating around now
about what I've always thought of as work ethic and what I was thought to believe
about the social contract. I was taught growing up that I could have whatever I
wanted as long as I made it myself or paid for it. I don’t need
other people’s ideas or talent or stuff. When I honor others right to make a living from their work, I protect my own right to the same. The social contract is secure. It’s a philosophy that is pretty
straight forward and simple.

Yes, some people had better advantages than I did but their
lives didn't affect me and I just needed to work and focus and if I was smart
enough I would achieve my goals. I would rise to the level of my
abilities. I was taught my desire or perceived
need does not give me a license to steal from others.

That idea seems to be broken now. Many people seem to think
that the world owes them something. These people think they are special just because
they exist and that everything and everyone out there is fodder to help them
achieve their goals. They would never pay for something they could steal.

.

In the art world these
entitlements manifest as stealing other peoples work and using it without permission or compensation. Allowing the thief to pretend to have skills they
don’t actually have. With digital technology there is absolutely no excuse for
using another’s work that isn't your own since everyone is carrying at least a
still camera and can shoot their own reference.

Don’t have a particular reference for a thing? You can model
it. Need something more complex than you have the ability for? You can pay someone to make it for you as a 3d
model or physical model. Can’t afford to pay someone? Then
go without.

It’s lazy and immoral to take other peoples work without asking and
or paying for it, always. No one should be asked to or expected to work for free. Need is not a justification for theft, ever.